What is a Christian?

A Christian seems to have varying meanings and definitions in today’s world. Many incorrectly define what a Christian is. Some people define a Christian as a polite person. Some define a Christian as a person who does good works. Others view a Christian as a person who goes to church, reads the Bible, or memorizes scriptures. Those things are attributes that outline some of the many things a Christian should do, but they don’t define a Christian. Many people do those things but aren’t Christian. Satan does some of those things, and he is certainly not a Christian.

“He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5 AMP).

So the question that still begs to be answered is: What is the definition of a Christian?

The definition of a Christian is easy. But being a Christian is not easy. In order to become a Christian, you have to put off the old man and put on the new man. In other words, you have to reject your own or worldly ways for the ways of God. You will no longer live life according to yourself, but according to God’s ways. When a person does that, they become a Christian. The hard part is making that paradigm shift, changing your life from the ground up.

“Whoever says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ but does not habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings), is a liar, and the truth [of the divine word] is not in him” (1 John 2:4 AMP).

No more living life to obtain personal gratification. No more living life to keep up with the Joneses. No more living life to get as much money as possible. No more viewing organic or inorganic beings and things as idols. No more worshiping anything or anyone else but God. No more living life for personal gain. No more being quick to anger. No more solely looking inwardly, but outwardly to be a blessing to others. No more looking to others or yourself to guide you in life, but looking upon God to always guide you. This doesn’t mean you ignore people’s advice, but you test that advice against the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When you have peace about it and it is compatible with the Bible, then you can act on that advice.

No more relying on medicine to heal you. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take medicine or go to the doctor, but don’t rely on them; rely on God’s will to give you understanding of the medicines He wants you to take when a doctor offers the choice, and for how long to take them.

Basically, a Christian is a person who emulates Jesus Christ. “Followers of Jesus Christ were first called ‘Christians’ in Antioch (Acts 11:26 [and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year they met [with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians]) because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ. The word ‘Christian’ literally means ‘belonging to the party of Christ’ or a ‘follower of Christ’” (Got Questions Ministries, 2022). A question every Christian should ask themselves is, “What would Jesus think, say, or do?” As the Scripture eloquently states, Christians are followers of Christ. You may ask or wonder, “What is a follower?” According to the applicable parts of Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word follower, below is their definition:

fol·​low·​er

1    a: one in the service of another : retainer

b: one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c: one that imitates another

2    archaic : one that chases

6 : fan, devotee

Merriam-Webster’s definition perfectly describes what a Christian is to Christ: a servant or “retainer, one that follows the opinions or teachings, one that imitates, one that chases, and a devotee” (Merriam-Webster). Again, every Christian should ask themselves, “What would Jesus think, say, or do?” and then think, say, and do things according to Christ.

1. Titus 3 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/TIT.3.AMP.

2. 1 John 2 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/1JN.2.AMP.

3. Acts 11 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/ACT.11.AMP.

4. What is a Christian? Got Questions Ministries. (2022, January 4). https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Christian.html/.

5. Merriam-Webster. Definition of Greed. Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follower.